Durham Liberal candidate plans first act as MP to support veterans

Grant Humes

Ryan Pfeiffer / Metroland

BOWMANVILLE -- Durham riding Liberal candidate Grant Humes and Liberal Veterans’ Affairs critic Sean Casey declared that the Liberal campaign to bring national attention to veterans' issues has been a resounding success and that his first act as a MP would be to introduce the Honouring our Veterans Act, which would ensure the independence of the Veterans’ ombudsman. November 20, 2012.

DURHAM -- Liberal candidate Grant Humes, with Liberal Veterans' Affairs Critic Sean Casey, announced on Tuesday that if he becomes Durham's new MP, his first act would be to introduce a private member's bill to ensure the independence of the veterans' ombudsman from political influence.

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"To get all parties to come together to realize we have to do a better job for our veterans," said Mr. Humes of his proposed 'Honouring our Veterans Act'. "This would create the opportunity to have a truly independent ombudsman."

Mr. Humes said there are several areas where veterans need better support. He wants to see the money cut from veterans' pensions restored, for the government to stop using tax dollars to fight veterans in court, and to top up funding for the Last Post Fund for veterans' burial.

"The gap between how we treat our veterans and how we the average Canadian perceives we treat our veterans is huge. Anybody in this riding is absolutely appalled when they understand the story of how we treat our veterans," said Mr. Humes. "It rose as the No. 1 issue because it is a No. 1 issue for Canadians."

Mr. Casey said the shortfall for veterans' burial fund is approximately what the federal government spent advertising the War of 1812 during the last Olympics.

The Veterans Affairs critic said there is a "huge sea of discontent from veterans' groups" and that Mr. Humes raising the issues during Durham's byelection has brought a much-needed spotlight.

"By this being front and centre in the byelection, there's really a national conversation going on now. There has been a groundswell. It's heartening for me as the spokesperson for Veterans Affairs to see that veterans' issues are being put in the forefront," said Mr. Casey.

He was quick to dismiss the criticism that the Liberal candidate was politicizing Remembrance Day for his campaign.

"All through those 10 days (leading up to Remembrance Day) the government side was taking every opportunity to use veterans as a photo op. To suggest that we shouldn't be having this conversation because it's November, it simply isn't right. This is the time when people are paying attention ... It's the right thing to do and I'm glad to see it's really ignited a national conversation," said Mr. Humes.

The Honouring Our Veterans Act Mr. Humes wants to introduce would be the second attempt by the Liberals to get the bill passed. Years ago, a Liberal MP introduced the veterans' bill to the House of Commons but it died on the floor when the last election was called.

"I have no doubt it will have full support of our caucus and hopefully all parties," said Mr. Casey.